So the final stage of our trip beckons - New Orleans, The Big Easy. Our departure from Memphis is an early one. We arrange a taxi for 5.30am to catch the 6.50 Amtrak train to New Orleans. It is double decker with reclining seats and a glass roofed observation deck to enjoy the passing scenery. It was an amazing 8 hour journey and we got to see lots of Louisiana as trundled through. We alternated between dozing on the seats to looking out the windows. I woke Dad as we travel over the Mississippi, it was an impressive sight. As we reached New Orleans we passed swampland and were both looking out for an alligator!
We then hopped onto a $1.75 streetcar to transfer from the train station to Bon Maison in the French Quarter. It was a little walk from Canal St but made difficult by the heat, the poor pavements and my rather heavy case!
New Orleans is a crazy place, especially Bourbon Street, with a constant party atmosphere. Our first night here resulted in us both feeling a little hungover the next morning. We met a local guy who invited us for a 'hair of the dog'. He insisted on treating us to a local speciality. Dad had a beer and I had a Bloody Mary that contained a full days quota of fruit and veg! It did the trick though. When talking about hurricane Katrina he became very emotional. He explained that the storm itself was not such a problem, but the aftermath was. Tales of death, alligators, looting and violence. To hear it first hand was moving.
Bourbon Street is party central, bars are open 24 hours a day and there are people drinking constantly. It is amazing to see people walking around with cups of beer or sat in bars when you go out for breakfast! Plastic cups are provided to enable you to take your drink onto the street and from one bar to the next. And many are drinking the famous green Hand Grenade cocktail. The music is mostly blues and jazz, although there are also plenty of other bands playing familiar covers of old party favourites.
Out last day is spent riding an air boat through the Louisiana swamps looking for alligators. This is both an interesting and thrilling trip. Whilst going through shallow waters and looking out for local wildlife we go quite slowly. When we are in open water he ramps up the power and we blast off! Taking turns at high speed was very exciting. But most amazing was getting up close with the alligators. Out pilot threw in a marshmallow which he refers to as 'swamp crack' as once they have the taste for it they are addicted. This attracts the alligator towards the boat as they greedily gobble it up. Although he has been bitten 6 times already, our pilot still kisses an alligator as it leaps out the water to eat the hot-dog on offer. We then get to meet and handle Amy, a baby alligator. I follow instructions and carefully hold here while avoiding being bitten. She is actually quite cold to the touch and a little cute!
We enjoy our final night by visiting a few bars with a few drinks, a hangover would not be welcome as we have an early start on our journey home!